Mountain lions in foothills?

Hey guys-
I take my dog riding at night-sometimes as late as midnight or early as 6 am. I thought I heard a cat growl the other night at about 1 am while climbing up lower hulls. Do you guys believe or have knowledge that these cats are out there? I just saw the statesman article about a mountain lion attacking a dog in Garden City. Are any of you worried about them while riding with your dog? Any helpful tips?

they are definitely out there. I wouldn't be too worried about taking my dog unless it was at dusk/dawn/night. That is when Mt lions are most active. Main tip would be hike with a buddy if possible and go during the day which is when they are not nearly as active. It would be very unlikely that a cat would take action toward you, but I guarantee that one has watched you in the past while riding in the footies.

It's all downhill from here.
(There's a **** of a lot of climbing left.)

I'm a little late on this thread but I used to ride up in Alberta, and mountain Lions were always around. At least once a year you would here on the news that someone or a pet was attacked. I live in Star Id now and when I take my daughter or pets on a ride I am always on the look out for Cat's and Bears!
It sounds crazy but don't take a chance.

My house is off 8th, and we've seen them in my backyard, so they're there for sure. But they're skittish as all heck. Unless you're a tiny female or kid on foot, alone, they won't bug you. And cats won't give you time to use spray or whatnot. Your first indication they're around is their teeth on your neck.

I disagree. I have been stalked by a mtn lion before. Turned around and he was 20 feet behind me. I took a step towards him and he turned around and walked away.
I did step towards him after putting a rifle scope on his chest and did not feel I needed to shoot him.

Now i would like to be stalked by a hot cougar. Oh wait i am every night.